Hard to believe it, but the conference I’ve been working on for the past year has finally come and gone. I’m one tired, happy, grateful, amazed guy. God has been very kind.
About 1700 folks came from all over to learn what the Psalms tell us about worshiping God, attend seminars designed to address specific practical areas, and fellowship with like-minded believers. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we listened, we studied, we played, we grew—all for the glory of the Savior. We also released our new Psalms CD, which I think is one of our best so far.
In the next few weeks I’ll be posting some reflections about the event, as well as links to a number of the resources. I’ve posted the song lists over on the WorshipGod08 website. For those who couldn’t make it (and I guess for those who did), we’ll be making all the main sessions and recorded seminar messages available on the Sovereign Grace website for free download. Right now all of the main session messages (except Friday night) can be downloaded here.
One of my highlights, and there were many, was realizing that my entire family was involved in the event. My wife, Julie, designed the stage, mixed for four of the sessions, and taught a seminar on Maintaining Priorities in and Around the Worship Team. My 21 year old daughter, Chelsea, who serves as my assistant, administrated the entire event and did an absolutely amazing job. My two sons and oldest daughter, Jordan, Devon, and Megan, were involved as musicians for various sessions. My 19 year old, Brittany, oversaw lyric projection and photography. And my 13 year old, Mckenzie, attended. I’m overwhelmed with gratefulness to the God whose faithfulness endures “to all generations” (Ps. 100:5).
Thank you so much for leading and serving “in the strength that God supplies”. This conference has had an impact on me that will last for years to come! Your gospel centered ministry has been a tremendous help for me when I lead worship…
Thank you, thank you!
Nate
Thank you thank you and thank you again for what you guys did at the conference. It was…powerful. I honestly didn’t expect to be so blown away by what God has done. He really blessed WorshipGod08.
Thank you so much!
Chloe
Glad to hear that the conference went well. I wish they were closer so I could actually attend. Travel from TX to MD is just a killer for me. From everything I’ve read and listened to, the conference sounds awesome.
Aside – you have a bad link on the “here” link. It puts http://http:// – not a huge deal, but wanted to let you know about it.
Peter,
Thanks for the heads up on the bad link. It’s fixed now.
Glad to hear the conference was a success. I have been loving your new book, by the way. I’ve posted some thoughts on my blog. A very inspiring read.
Thanks!
Bob,
Thanks for all your work! What a joy it was to be at the conference! Gave me so much to think about! By the way, before the conference, my mom had asked me what worship is. I told her to wait until after the conference! Tonight, I gave her your definition of a worship leader from your workshop! She was very satisfied with it (as was I)!
Thanks to all the wonderful staff at Covenant Life too! Everyone was super helpful to all of us who were there!
Now rest up for the next two years!
Bob, that was an awesome conference! I had most of my worship team with me and we had our socks blessed off. Your teaching, particularly at the end, was soem of the most Scriputrally sound teaching on worship I have ever experienced. When do we start doing this every year??!!
By the way, I have a number of photos from the conference posted on my blog at http://www.theviewfrommychair.blogspot.com
Thank you Bob and team for a wonderful few days learning about the wonderous treasure trove that is the Psalter. I had always regarded the psalms as a little odd, and had not up till now realised their significance. Their poetic style and strange theming had kind of put me off reading through them. I had, however recently discuvered Psalm 22, and had made the connection between Jesus’ cry on the cross and the psalm. This connection was echoed in Marks talk, and was a lovely confirmation of what The Lord had started to reveal to me about his Word.
Our whole team (from Dubai) sat and had a debrief after the last session (out in the tent) and we all agreed that, in different ways, the WG08 had provided many new insights into the Word, into the mechanics of Worship Music and into the task set before us in leading His People… Thank you all for your faithful work.
Thank you too for the songs that you (all) have written. They go back with us on CD’s and we will enjoy learning to play them and using some of them in our gatherings. Hopefully we will be able soon to send some new ones of our own back to you. Who knows!
A highlight was the time of interpretive song when you played a chord progression and the whole assembly was given an oppurtunity to sing a heart song in response to the psalm using it as a framework.
God Bless, and I hope to see you in Church tomorrow. We will be there one last time before flying back across the big waters to Dubai.
God Bless,
Rich.
PS I was wondering whether there was any chance that the Video recordings of the corporate worship sets would be available? (for purchase or otherwise?)
Dear Bob and Co.
The WG08 conference was such a HUGE blessing to me and our team that words cannot describe. I rarely use the word “awesome”, as I feel this word has been trivialized in our society and should be reserved for God Himself, but what He did through you, your team and your conference was truly AWESOME!!! I feel so much closer to Him now, and so much more well-equipped to help lead our congregation in true worship of Him…I am so excited to get up on that stage tomorrow and perform to the glory of God with a huge smile on my face and a new “spring in my step”! I might even jump around a bit! :)
I am primarily a bassist now, but play guitar, as well, and I have many unanswered questions from the seminars with Don, Eric, and Dave. What is the best avenue to address these issues with them, and other, more general queries with you?
I’m sorry if this post has taken up too much space on your Blog, as I’m kind of new at this, so any recommendations would be appreciated. I will fill out the online survey ASAP.
Love In Christ, By His Grace, and For His Glory,
Br. Phil
it must have been a great time at the conference. i wished i was there. praise God and thank you for shouting out loud that the worship of the true God must be centrality of our lives and existence.
Bob, the Lord used you and the conference to revive me and point me to a Deliverer whose love is definitely better than life. I lead the chapel worship at The Master’s College and am a Resident Director of one of the male dorms here and I speak on behalf of the students and staff here in saying THANK YOU so much! Thank you for ministering to the body of Christ (even abroad and helping) in the training of young men and women for the kingdom. Sovereign grace songs have and will continue to give God glory here at the college. I realized that the Psalms are a great resource for counseling in the dorm context as it has been (& will be) for our worship in our chapels. Thanks for helping with the connection!
Bob, I was unable to attend the conference, but am delighted to see how fruitful it was. I am excited to see the Psalms being “rediscovered” for this generation and am being convicted more and more that the Psalms are not only God’s perfect songbook in terms of being the perfect template for our new songs, but are also the prescriptive guidebook for how worship should “look and feel”.
If you get a chance, please visit a blog I have put together to facilitate an exploration of what I am terming “Prescriptive Psalmody”. Would appreciate any thoughts\guidance you have. :)
Blessings in Christ!
-JD
Bob,
Although I was unable to attend, our Associate Worship Director, Shannon Lewis (4whatitsworth) attended, and several other worship leaders that I know from TheWorshipCommunity.Com attended. All report it was wonderful. Shannon certainly was excited.
I look forward to downloading the main sessions. Thanks so much for making those available!
As you list the resource links on your recaps, though not associated w/ the conference, would you consider linking to our community of worship leaders, technicians, worship artists, band members, singers, and writers? It’s at http://www.theWorshipCommunity.Com
For the Kingdom,
Fred
I was so dissapointed that I could not make the conference this year. God-willing we will be at the next one!! One thing I did do was buy the downloadable version of the new Psalms CD. I absolutely LOVE it and have been listening to it the whole weekend. The lyrical content of each song is so rich with God’s truth and inspires awe and praise for our King and Saviour. What an excellent production! It is superbly arranged and the vocals are rich with colour. This CD is definitely one that ‘accumulates’ each time you listen to it. It refreshes your soul. Thank you to everyone involved…you can see your hearts went into this project and God is truly glorified through it!
Thanks Bob for all your service, passion, and love of worshiping God. This conference has changed my life. I desire to worship Jesus every day all day! Not just on Sunday mornings, that has been done away with. I can’t say thanks enough. Also, I’m the guy who spoke to you about arranging for instruments, and if you had anymore input or any opportunities I would like to service using my talents. Thanks and God bless,
patrick
To Bob and everyone who served us at WG08!
Many MANY thanks for always passionately pointing to our Lord Jesus Christ from main sessions to seminars. Indeed, it was truly Gospel-centered worship! Wow. It was a paradigm shift for me to read the Psalms in the light of the Gospel.
we look forward to going back and serving in our respective home churches! Thanks for all your encouragements!
Sam
Bob,
Forgot to ask you this today, but are you going to upload a recording/video of the choir singing Glorious and Mighty? That was an absolutely brilliant moment that almost brought me to tears, it would be great to hear it again!
Nick,
I’ll check about uploading the choir song as a download. Thanks for asking. Great having you over.
Thanks Bob – the few days were a tremendous blessing.
I was struck by how much behind the scenes work had to happen to pull that off. And while I stopped by the info center to thank the folks there, I didn’t know who to personally thank for things like chair setup and tear down, etc. So, if you could pass thanks along, I’d appreciate it.
And thanks again for all of your work and your faithfulness in seeking to honor Christ in worship. Your commitment is an encouragement, a challenge, and a help.
Bob,
thanks! thanks for everything. God used the conference in so many ways in my life.
I look forward to sleeping a lot over the next few days and then spending time to work through my pile of notes as I begin to dig deeper into the Psalms
thank you for encouraging those of us who attended to read through the Psalms while we were there. As I was reading, I was greatly affected with how great our God is – how stedfast, powerful and unfailing He is. He used that encouragement from you to turn me to His Words, which He then used to reveal yet another glimpse of His unsearchable greatness.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to teach the next generation how to better worship God. I am truly grateful.
Emily
Bob,
What a great conference. It was a joy also to meet you on Sunday morning (I’m still sort of stunned that you knew my blog.).
Is there any chance that the choral arrangement of “Glorious and Mighty” we heard at the conference will be available for purchase? I’d love to do that with our group.
Also, will there be a video available of the “Band on the Run” seminar?
Thanks again for serving us so well.
Grace,
Kyle
Bob,
God really blessed me at the conference. I am very encouraged to continue to serve in our small church. Last night, after regular evening worship, I taught two of the songs from Psalms to our church. “The Lord Is” and “Glorious and Mighty”. Thanks so much for your efforts! What a blessing to be there!
Daniel Kush
Free Grace Church
Palmdale, CA
Bob,
I hardly know where to begin. WG08 was more than a great experience of worship, learning and reflection. The Lord changed me, and I am grateful. Ministry will never be the same. I could just echo all that’s been said here, but I will just say that I could hardly be more grateful to the Lord for you and what you’ve taught me about pastoring the people in corporate worship. It was great to see you after the 9:00 service yesterday.
I hope that Southern Seminary has you and CJ out again soon!
Barry Joslin
Louisville, KY
It was my first Sovereign Grace conference, but I have many of your CDs and we’ve used about 8 or 10 of your songs so far.
It was so refreshing and encouraging to see so many passionate young people, who are leading in some way in their churches, married to great theology. In fact, your bookstore, which I’m sure you’re aware is rather unusual, is one that our teaching pastor would be proud of.
I was delighted with not just the level of preparation and organization, but the pleasant and genuine people whose lives have obviously been affected by Christ.
I don’t remember when I’ve wept so much in three days. Worshiping with so many like-minded friends gives us a small taste of the joy of heaven and the matchless worth of our God.
Bob:
You and all the contributors to the WG08 Conference have equipped and challenged me concerning Biblical worship. Being there with my Dad made it a double blessing. The fitting tribute your sons gave resonated with my me and my Dad.
As the Lord provides, I hope to attend the next one with my wife and kids, who all love to sing God’s praises.
I am already practicing several of the newer songs in hopes of presenting them to our local church here in Memphis.
If there is anything we can do for any of the Sovereign Grace churches, please let us know.
JT
JT Studios
Bob,
Will you be making Friday night’s main session available for download? Also, do you have plans to provide the workshops for download?
I was so blessed by all that you shared during the conference and all the work that was done for the Glory of our Lord!
Evie
Bob, I must say that I was deeply encouraged by WG08. Not only were the sessions much akin to drinking from a fire-hydrant (I may be going over my notes for weeks to absorb it all), and the worship times varied, creative, God-glorifying, and uniquely ‘under-produced’ (it was done ‘well’, but not showy), but I was – most of all – blessed by how WELCOME I was made to feel. As one who came alone, the white wristband was a great idea to help people connect, and I really enjoyed talking to you as well. I pray God continues to bless you, SGM, it’s churches, worship leaders, & song-writers, as you are being used by God to have an impact beyond what you can likely imagine.
p.s. – and, per Fred’s request above, do check out theWorshipCommunity.com sometime… several of the folks I connected with at the conference I know from there, including your Tech Guy, David. I’ve not only written for it, but found the articles (and conversations in the forums) helpful personally as well.
I just want to say thank you so much again…I was the one that got the songbooks you gave away for free towards the end of the conference and I’ve been playing out of them constantly. I really was blessed by the teachings and the worship (and the songbooks).
Thank you!
Chloe
Thank you once again for a great conference. To be able to worship God like that every morning and evening would be wonderful, but then, I guess that would be heaven….
Will you be posting anything from the Friday evening session? I would like to be able to hear David Powlison’s portion on the imprecatory Psalms again.
I want to add my thanks to all those who have responded – I appreciated the conference deeply, from the humility and Christ-like attitudes of the leaders and speakers to the manifest presence of the Lord through everything (so thanks really to our Savior!).
I hate to ask a question so soon after the event, but I’m wondering if the Band on the Run session video would be available at any point. I was there (for the first time) by myself, but there were a number of points addressed in that session that would be significant to view, discuss and implement as a team that need the visual with the audio.
I praise God for your (entire team that presented the conference) faithfulness to Him, your trust in Him, your love for Him and your service to the larger body this past weekend.
Bob,
It was such a blessing for me to get to attend the conference with two of my daughters! You and all the team were used by God to bring glory to His Name, to help me to grow as a worship leader and as a worshipper of our amazing God! We will certainly be adding some more SG songs to our worship in the near future.
One of my daughters (Jen) got to meet you on Friday and I think told you about our “Glad Too” ensemble from the early 1990’s. That’s a whole other story — but suffice it to say, God has been using you and your gifts to personally inspire me and our entire family musically, and grow us spiritually, for a long time, and I am thrilled that I have had the privilege of attending my first SG Worship Conference!
Charlie Hoera
Calvary Bible Church
Fort Worth, TX
Bob & the SovGrace team,
thank you so much for putting on the WG08 conference. Overall, it was encouraging and refreshing. I was wondering if the opening video/ppt presentation on Wednesday night would be available for purchase/download.
Thank you for writing and publishing songs that address the glory and greatness of our wonderful God!
Tim,
If it turns out okay, we plan to release the Band on the Run seminar as a DVD. Thanks for asking.
Jeremy,
We also plan on offering the opening video of the conference for download.
What a fantastic conference! As first time attendees the experiences for my wife and I were multiple…we were led once again in awe of our God, amazed at the quality and humility of the conference, filled with and enlightened by information, convicted by the messages, given energy, ideas, and challenges to take back to our worship team and church, and to be quite honest…I, not so with my wife, came away with a strange mix of depression and motivation…depressed (convicted?) that I have not been more proactive in the development of the worship life of our church (which in some ways translates to Covenant Life worship envy) and yet strongly motivated to be used by God to see that change.
Please continue to schedule the conference some other week beside the second week of August. For those of us in Alabama (and maybe some other southern states) school starts that week which has prevented us from attending in the past.
QUESTION: I was fortunate enough to be a part of the conference choir. Is it possible to purchase the choral arrangements we were given to use with our choir?
Thank you again, Bob, for all you do. Your heart seems to be in such a good place. For Sov Grace groupies like me, you make it easy to reap the benefits of your humble labors of service to the body of Christ. May your tribe increase!
Tim,
Thanks for your encouraging words. I’d like to keep the conference in the earlier week if possible. Question – would Aug. 4-7, 2010 be in the school season for Alabama? Can’t believe you all start so early!
As to the choir arrangement, I’m tweaking it (working on the accompaniment part) and will make it available in the near future. Thanks for asking.
And please don’t be depressed as a result of attending the conference! Everything good or helpful you saw or experienced there was God’s grace working through very normal (that is, sinful, confused at times, and inadequate, etc.) people. That grace is available to you in your situation to enable you to do all that God wants to do, and much more than you could imagine.
Bob,
Thanks for asking about the 2010 dates. I appreciate your sensitivity to those of us who have to start school so early (although, the year usually ends by the third week in May). I’m already telling the worship team to start saving their money. We’ve got a road trip to MD to make in 2010.
It’s hard to say when school will start in 2010. This year we started Aug. 7. Looking back at the last 5 years of start dates, they usually like to start either on a Thur. or a Mon. If they stay consistent with that pattern, I can’t imagine they would start school Thur., Aug. 5, in 2010 which would be the earliest start date ever (although I wouldn’t put it past them). My best guess would be that they’d wait until Monday, Aug. 9, to start. So the Aug. 4-7 dates would be doable, but wouldn’t give much breathing room before the start date as this year’s conf. date did. I know this is way too much info on the subject. Sorry, I’m just kind of wired that way. Hope it helps anyway.
I look forward to the availability of the choir arrangement. I assume you’re specifically working on “Glorious and Mighty”. Working on any others we sang that morning?
Yea, the short-lived depression thing was kind of weird and unexpected…although not unlike portions of some of the Psalms. It served as a catalyst to dig deeper into why and push me to the Lord for answers. Thank you for your encouragement. It means a lot.